"Dances With Wolves" is one of  those DVD titles that should be in any DVD lover's collection!  The transfer is absolutely perfect.  Contrast, colors, fleshtones,...everything, ...is flawless!  The fact that it's been 16:9 enhanced is the icing on the cake.  In addition, the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound makes the entire room feel swept away by its epic proportions.  The sound mix is active in every way conceivable to bring out the ultimate viewing experience, and the musical score has never sounded better! Additionally, there's audio commentary giving great insight into how a movie of such dramatic proportions made it to the finished stage! Our only complaint is that the extended European version is not offered on an alternate side.  There's been much said as to the possible reason being that IMAGE wouldn't have been able to present the extended version in anything other than Dolby Surround.  Our reply: So, why didn't you offer both versions?  IMAGE already released the Special Edition on laser twice!  We personally believe the problem lies with IMAGE, a company that unfortunately only jumped on the DVD wagon after stating their skepticism, only when it became obvious that they couldn't hold onto a decent marketshare with laserdiscs alone, duh!!!!  Comparing what IMAGE releases on DVD or laserdisc, and their asking price in respect to most other studios, is unbelievable.  We wish they'd simply go away and allow a company like Pioneer to have the opportunity to show what can be done affordably for the consumer.  Still, we "RECOMMEND" purchasing this DVD!!!!!!!!!!!! It's Terrific!!!!!!!

The DTS DVD version of "DANCES WITH WOLVES"  features the same audio commentary with Director Kevin Costner and Producer Jim Wilson.  Now, what are the differences, and which is better???  Well, there are trade-offs in each version!   The dolby digital version, as reviewed above, offers an excellent picture and excellent sound.  It also offers the entire film on one side. 

The DTS DVD  offers great sound quality and great picture quality as well, but on two discs.  While the picture has excellent contrast and color definition, it also exhibits brief signs of noise.  The difference in picture quality is most likely due to the dolby digital version being mastered in THX. This DTS version is mastered from a different master.  While the sound is excellent on both, we prefer the DTS version due to the increased definition in brief, but powerful moments. The reverberations of gunshots are an example of this found within the first chapter.  Overall, we prefer the DTS version due to the enhanced sound definition, without a significant trade-off in picture quality.